A formal inaugural program of Ao Riju, under the aegis of Ao Senden, was held at the Ao Senden Conference Hall in Mokokchung on Monday.

Addressing the press, Chubawati Longchar, President, Ao Senden said that it is a significant step taken in preserving and promoting the Ao dialect and culture. He stated that the establishment of an academy for the Ao Tribe is an initiative to ensure the preservation and development of the dialect. Ao Riju will play a crucial role in achieving these objectives, he added.

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The office bearers of Ao Riju, as mentioned in the press address by Chubawati Longchar, President Ao Senden, are as follows:

President: Prof M Rongsen, Akhoya

Vice President: Dr Medem, Mongchen

General Secretary: S. Wati Ozukum, Mopungchuket

Assistant General Secretary: Dr Imlirenla Walling, Khensa

Finance Secretary:  Imlitoshi, Süngratsü

In addition to the office bearers, there are various committees that constitute Ao Riju. These committees include members responsible for different aspects of the academy’s functioning such as language preservation, cultural activities, education, finance, and more. The specific committees and their members would be determined by the Ao Riju’s organizational structure and objectives.

The Ao Senden Literature Board (ASLB) on 26 November 2021 proposed the Ao Senden to establish an academy for the Ao Tribe for preserving the Ao dialect. On 30 June 2023, the ASLB was dissolved and on 10 July 2023, the Ao Riju was officially inaugurated.

The establishment of Ao Riju is an important step towards preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Ao Tribe, and it is expected to contribute significantly to the preservation and development of the Ao dialect and culture.